And don't make the mistake of assuming that you will want to live there for any extended period of time. I doubt this will be a relevant concern for the TC, but try living there for a year or less before you commit to anything longer term than that.

Dehitay wrote:
You're probly thinking about the JET program. They offer 1-3 years in Japan.

They've recently raised the limit to 5.

Actually, it's just after I posted that when I remembered the 5 year limit. What I was thinking of is the work visas which have a 3 year maximum. I just combined work visa with JET without really thinking about it.

darkshortyx wrote:
So I've heard that people can't just go and live in Japan for the rest of there life. We can only stay there for 3 years. Whats up with that?

Only a very small portion of the Western foreigners who come here can stand it that long anyway. Most leave after one year, most of the rest leave after two years, and they're almost all gone by the end of three years.

Despite that, there is no governmental restriction that limits a person to three years. But, no, you will not receive permission to live here for the rest of your life upon arriving here. There are a few of us here who have permanent resident status and have been here far, far longer than three years.

Plus I really don't think *anyone* should be thinking about "moving to Japan for the rest of their lives" until they've actually BEEN there, or better, LIVED there for a while to see if they could do it.

I'm pretty sure I could have made the "for life" transition, but after six years I made the horrible mistake of falling in love with someone in California and so moved back to the States in 1992 -- and we broke up a few months later. Grrrrr.

Well guys. thanks for the info. I was already planning on living there for a year before I go there to actually stay. And dont worry, I'll live. I know too many people who live there. japanese, korean, and american frieds and family. I just recently started talking to them again(lost contact some how). but I only get to talk to them once a month, due to problems.

anyway. so someone said 3 has been turn to 5. and others said Despite that, there is no governmental restriction that limits a person to three years. But, no, you will not receive permission to live here for the rest of your life upon arriving to japan.

AJBryant wrote:
I'm pretty sure I could have made the "for life" transition, but after six years I made the horrible mistake of falling in love with someone in California and so moved back to the States in 1992 -- and we broke up a few months later. Grrrrr.

AJBryant wrote:
..... I'm pretty sure I could have made the "for life" transition, but after six years I made the horrible mistake of falling in love with someone in California and so moved back to the States in 1992 .....

Dang the Beach Boys

Don't complain to me that people kick you when you're down. It's your own fault for lying there

AJBryant wrote:
I'm pretty sure I could have made the "for life" transition, but after six years I made the horrible mistake of falling in love with someone in California and so moved back to the States in 1992 -- and we broke up a few months later. Grrrrr.

Harisenbon wrote:
Japan will always love you Papa.
Come back to its loving arms.